Who is Lyle Menendez? Everything we know as Charlie Kirk's alleged assassin adds defense attorney to the legal team

Michael Burt, who represented Lyle Menendez in his first trial, is a part of Tyler Robinson's legal team.

Tyler Robinson, who is accused of shooting Charlie Kirk at the University of Utah on September 10, appeared in a Utah courtroom virtually. The lawyers handling his defense include the lawyer, Michael Burt, who represented Lyle Menendez in his first trial, which ended with no verdict, along with two more attorneys.

Lyle, whose full name is Joseph Lyle Menendez, is the brother of Erik Galen Menendez. The brothers are famously known as the Menendez brothers. In 1989, they were found guilty of killing their parents, José and Mary Louise "Kitty" Menendez, at their Beverly Hills home.

After the murders, Lyle and Erik blamed unknown intruders for the killing of their parents. However, police grew suspicious due to their lavish spending. Months later, Erik confessed the truth to his psychologist.

According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office statement:

"Erik and Lyle initially denied the killings, but ultimately confessed and alleged they were in fear of their parents after years of abuse. The defendants attempted, through their defense, to convince the jury that the verdicts should be voluntary manslaughter and not special circumstance murder."

Erik and Lyle Menendez are serving life sentences at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego. They were denied parole in 2025 and remain in prison.

Lyle Menendez married Anna Eriksson

Lyle Menendez was married to Anna Eriksson from 1996 until their divorce in 2001. He later married Rebecca Sneed two years later, and they remained together until their separation in 2024.

Sneed also updated fans about the separation on Lyle's Facebook page, stating:

"Guys! This is NOT a cheating scandal. Lyle and I have been separated for a while now but remain best friends and family. I continue to run his Facebook pages, with input from him, and I am forever committed to the enduring fight for Lyle and Erik’s freedom, as has been so evident over the years."

According to People, Lyle helped run a support group for prisoners who experienced sexual abuse and has also served as president of the inmate council at Mule State Creek Prison.

Speaking to the people at CrimeCon 2024 Nashville, Lyle said:

"I just decided even though I'm incarcerated and there isn't hope of freedom, I still have a chance to feel proud of what I'm doing with my day"

Last year, Lyle completed a bachelor’s degree in sociology at UC Irvine. As of now, he is studying for a master’s in urban planning.

Also read: What did Voddie Baucham say about Charlie Kirk before his death at 56? Pastor’s final posts resurface

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback